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Cognitive Psychology

An introduction to empirical study of mental processes. Topics include perception and attention, working memory, long-term memory, visual imagery, problem-solving, language, and decision-making.

Learning Outcomes

After completing PSCY 221, students will be able to:

Identify and explain classic and current issues within cognitive psychology (including but not limited to perception, attention, memory, knowledge, imagery, language, problem solving, and reasoning and decision making).

Identify and explain standard methodological approaches used in the study of human cognition and cognitive neuroscience.

Engage in critical reading of empirical evidence used to examine theories of cognition.

Explain how experimental findings inform theories of cognition.

Collaborate with peers to analyze experimental designs and theories and effectively communicate the results.

Description

Cognitive psychology is the study of the mind. By employing the scientific method, cognitive psychologists develop an understanding of the processes involved in all aspects of thinking, including attention, perception, memory, reasoning, language, and problem-solving. With the human brain considered to be the most complex object known to exist, and maybe the most powerful learning system known to exist, the study of the thinking processes it produces is immensely challenging. With this complexity and the challenge of using our own thinking to study human thinking, cognitive psychology represents a rich and fascinating research domain.

Terms

Fall 2018

Course Dates:

Sept 6 - Nov 30, 2018

Exam Dates:

Dec 5 - 20, 2018

Evaluation

Assessment

Weight

Online Discussions (4)

16%

Online Quizzes (highest 8 of 10)

16%

Laboratory Assignments (highest 4 out of 5)

24%

Final Exam (proctored)*

44%

*You must write and pass the final exam in order to pass the course.

** Evaluation Subject to Change **

Final Examination

Students must write their exam on the day and time scheduled by the University. The start time may vary slightly depending on the off-campus exam centre. Do not schedule vacations, appointments, etc., during the exam period.

Instructor

Professor Daryl Wilson (daryl.wilson@queensu.ca)

Textbooks and Materials

CDS reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.

Time Commitment

Students can expect to spend approximately 10 hours a week (120 hours per term) in study/practice and online activities for PSYC 221.

Course Resources

About SOLUS

SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.

About Credit Units

Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.

Computer Requirements

To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.

System Requirements:

Laptop or Desktop computer purchased within the last 5 years. (mobile devices are not supported)

Windows Vista SP2/Mac OSX 10.9 or higher

Up to date versions of Firefox, Internet Explorer or Safari. Please note that Google Chrome is not recommended for use in our courses.

Dates/Deadlines

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.

Grading Scheme

The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.

Letter Grade

Grade Point

A+

4.30

A

4.00

A-

3.70

B+

3.30

B

3.00

B-

2.70

C+

2.30

C

2.00

C-

1.70

D+

1.30

D

1.00

D-

0.70

F

0.00

GPA CalculatorsHave your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.

Campus Bookstore

Non-Queen’s Students

All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.

Academic Integrity

Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.